I was going to get Blackwaters, it's what my dealer here recommended. Ayway, I've herd more bad then good. So, what do you have and do you like them? I need an all around good tire. Its nothing to do over 100 miles a weekend with my club, my club is no help because its a poor comunity, and all but a couple ride on OEM. So,
the trails:
60% hard pack (1/2 open 1/2 tight woods)
10% loos sand/dirt
10% rocks
20% mud
so, thats average, I don't want to get stuck, I do want a good smooth ride, and I'd like an agresive look. 26" or 27". These new tires will go on a 97 Exploer 500. Please reply, give your opinion. Thanks

Bruce

 

I personally like the BearClaws. Good wearing durable and very aggressive in the 27inch. The 26s are slightly less aggressive but good all around tires. I too was not impressed with Blackwaters. One of our group has them in 27s and had three flats in one weekend.

 

I had blackwater XT 27's on my grizz and really wasn't impressed with them. Had several flats and didn't feel that traction was that impressive.

 

I like the looks of the Blackwater but have heard on here not the greatest? but are they better than stock? I too am looking for something that is better than stock but still is good all around , I mud too about 20 percent at the most. I mostly want better than stock but not harshers or at least that much. I think the Blackwater would do good for all around.

 

Titan 589 or trhe goodyear mudrunner.Or you can upgrade to the stock 25" goodyear P trcker there and ok tire much better then the stock dunlop your machine has.

 

I've been using the Blackwater XT for the last couple of years and it has been a good reliable tire. I changed over to the Titan 589 recently, it cleans better in the Mud. The Goodyear Mudrunner is great tire, but only comes in a 26" tire. Those 3 tires would definetly suit your conditions.

SPTM 500 H/O DU
DON'T FORGET TO VOTE FOR YOUR RIGHT TO RIDE!!

 

Looking at your riding are discrition it sounds like we ride in the same area. I've got the Goodyear Mudrunners and couldn't be happier. They provide a good hard pack ride and do well in the mud. They do make them in 27". I'm looking at an atvsupply.com catalog and it shows the 27" in 9 and 12" width x 12" wheel.

 

I have had stock tires, 26" Mudrunners and now have 25" Bearclaws.(On my Xplorer400) I really prefer the Bearclaws to all others, so far. Lighter than Mudrunners and much more agressive than stock. I ride fast and hard so they were the way to go. Mudding is still almost as good as with the bigger tires. Lost 1/2" clearance only. Wider than stock rear tires give better stability. Narrower than Mudrunner fronts give easier steering and smooth handling through the bumps. Much more wheelspin now and performance is great. No fender rubbing or loss of power and smooth ride. Plus they were not too expensive.

 

I have Goodyear Mudrunners on my 00 Xplorer 4x4 and my 99 Sportsman 500cc 4x4.They are second to none in the worst of snow/mud and still offer a great ride on hardpack.They certainly are my choice,
Bill

 

Go with Titan's. Great tires, and you can get them thru any agri. tire dealer that carries Armstrong/titan for a lot cheaper than a atv dealer will sell them for. Oh yes, their made right their in the USA.